Report: Child abuse cases a concern

VIOLENCE and abuse against children have increased in Fiji in the past year, according to the United Nations (UN) Pacific socio-economic impact assessment of COVID-19 in Fiji.

The report revealed more than 1300 cases of abuse were reported in 2019, marking the highest number since 2016.

The report also highlighted child sexual abuse was also a widespread concern in Fiji as 16 per cent of Fijian girls had suffered sexual abuse before the age of 15.

The report validated studies that showed abuse as a child brought long-term consequences to the continuation of the cycle of violence, with 21 per cent of women in Fiji who experienced domestic violence had a partner that was beaten as a child.

“Being a victim or a witness of constant abuse can have the effect of normalising this behaviour and violence becomes part of the family dynamic and is reproduced for generations to come,” the report stated.

“Furthermore, girls who suffered sexual violence are more likely to suffer later in life from physiological and/or sexual abuse by their partners.

“Survivors of child sexual abuse might also suffer from depression, low self-esteem and abuse of alcohol and illegal substances.”

The report further stated with regards to the impact of COVID-19 on violence against children, an increase in the levels of physical and psychological abuse had been seen.

“Throughout the lockdown period, there was an increase in the number of calls received by the national domestic violence helpline, with a significant amount of these calls relating to child abuse.

“Moreover, even in case the violence was not directly targeted at the child, an increase in domestic violence caused by the COVID-19 lockdown could be accompanied by an increase in the number of children witnessing their mother being abused.”

The report also revealed living in an abusive environment had direct consequences on children’s wellbeing, with children whose mothers experiencing violence being twice as likely to repeat years of schooling or even drop out of school.

“In addition, witnessing their mother being abused contributes to a continuous cycle of violence with 40 per cent of women who experience domestic violence have witnessed their mother being abused as a child.”

The report stated the COVID-19 lockdown may have caused an increase in the number of child sexual abuse cases, as abuse often happened within the family and stress levels among potential perpetrators was higher and mobility among potential victims lower, as a result of COVID-19.